CALIBRE Secured Networks Ltd works closely with public and private schools, local authorities and businesses to ensure that their IT delivers a return on investment through the utilisation of technologies that solve business challenges.
However, like many in the IT sector, the firm sees bringing in the right people with the right skill sets as paramount to securing growth and meeting the needs of customers.
Managing director Karen Nelson, who leads the firm’s recruitment drive, says finding talented people undoubtedly takes time, patience and, to some degree, luck in an IT world where seemingly everyone is trying to find those who people who possess that extra magic ingredient.
She says: “We like to have people who not only have technical competencies but are also well-rounded team players with a positive attitude, and want to take on more responsibility. We also want those who are driven, are passionate about what they do and aspire to always want to take their career to the next level.”
With the skills shortage in the IT sector, where there are over 700,000 jobs available and a more than 120,000 new recruits needed each year, it makes sense to safeguard your business by up-skilling your current workforce says Karen, who is working with Baltic Training to secure a new generation of IT apprentice talent.
Karen, who has hired Joe Davies as the firm’s latest IT apprentice, believes that apprenticeships are one of the most beneficial ways for young people to get that all important first-step on the employment ladder to learn the skills employers require for their workforce.
“There’s no better way to learn a trade and gain valuable skills than through an apprenticeship,” she says.
“And they aren’t just for the larger companies. Having people like Joe on board can be a cost-effective way for smaller, nimble-footed firms like us to train the workforce to a high standard and make the business even more competitive.
“The skill set required at Calibre is highly specialised, so it’s imperative that we continue to invest in training a new generation of skilled and ambitious youngsters.”
Karen and Baltic Training’s involvement in an apprenticeship programme will see Joe working towards completing his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in IT.
Joe said: “I’ve always been a practical person and I was looking for a career opportunity in the IT sector that would allow me to learn a trade and gain really useful skills, while developing a wider understanding of business and working with customers.
“The Calibre apprenticeship will allow me to do all that. It gives me the chance to study for a qualification that is valued by employers – and you earn a wage at the same time.”
Apprenticeships are undoubtedly good for business – and that’s why Calibre is making the investment, adds Karen Nelson. “The apprentices we take on will absorb and adopt our values more easily. This ensures that they are more likely to remain than those that come to us via other career pathways.”
More at www.calibre-secured.net